17. Spencer (Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare)

It was only a matter of time before Freddy stepped into the world of video games. Yes, the graphics are sub-par, but let’s not forget this was the early ’90s. (See also: the presence of Breckin Meyer.)

16. Kerry (Freddy’s Revenge)

There’s ambiguity to this scene — as in the first film, it’s unclear if Kerry’s death is actually happening or just a final scare for the audience. Either way, it’s effective, like the hand in Carrie but way grosser.

14. Chase Porter (Wes Craven’s New Nightmare)

The scariest thing about Chase’s death is that it looks like Freddy’s hand is going for his crotch. But even when it’s clear that’s not the case, it’s still a frightening reminder to not fall asleep behind the wheel.

13. Carlos (Freddy’s Dead: The Final Nightmare)

Let’s be clear: the giant Q-tip through the ear should have killed him. Still, there’s something fiendishly great about the way it actually happens, with Freddy’s chalkboard scraping abrasive enough to make Carlos’ head explode.

12. Nancy Thompson (Dream Warriors)

While the circumstances of Nancy’s death aren’t particularly inventive, the fact that she dies is kind of a big deal. Remember that she was the first film’s Final Girl, which should guarantee survival. Also, hasn’t she suffered enough?

9. Coach Schneider (Freddy’s Revenge)

Look, male nudity for a change! All of Freddy’s Revenge is a queer subversion of classic horror tropes, and the murder of Coach Schneider in the gym showers is particularly homoerotic. But was it Freddy or Jesse who did the deed?

7. Debbie Stevens (The Dream Master)

Everything about this sequence is gross: from Debbie losing her limbs and becoming a cockroach to Freddy squeezing her bug guts out. You could call it “Kafkaesque,” or you could just call it “nauseating.”

6. Jennifer Caulfield (Dream Warriors)

Jennifer’s final moments feature a cameo from Zsa Zsa Gabor, and frankly, we should all be so lucky. Freddy as TV is another distressing visual, especially for those of us who spend a lot of time glued to our sets.

2. Ron Grady (Freddy’s Revenge)

Grady’s death itself isn’t the memorable part — it’s how Freddy shows up in Grady’s bedroom. The scene in which Jesse essentially gives birth to Freddy is up there with some of Cronenberg’s iconic body horror moments.

1. Glen Lantz (A Nightmare on Elm Street)

And here it is: the ultimate Nightmare on Elm Street death. It’s hard to forget the endless fountain of blood, or Glen’s struggle as he’s pulled inside his bed. Not knowing exactly how he bites it just adds to the anxiety.